Trump, Republicans Pin Hopes on Record Early Voting in North Carolina

Former President Donald Trump confidently declared victory in North Carolina during his final rally of the 2024 campaign, stating that the state has been reliable for him in past elections. He emphasized the importance of early voting, which saw record numbers in the state, with over 4.2 million residents casting their ballots early.

Trump’s campaign targeted low-propensity voters to increase turnout, with hopes of securing a win in North Carolina. The turnout in the state, including absentee voting, was reported at 57% of registered voters as of November 3.

Despite challenges such as Hurricane Helene impacting certain regions, the state saw strong voter turnout, with Trump commending the resilience of North Carolina voters. North Carolina holds 16 Electoral College votes and is a key battleground state in the election.

Both candidates, Trump and his opponent Harris, campaigned vigorously in North Carolina, with Trump holding a narrow lead in polls on Election Day eve. The western part of the state, historically Republican, played a crucial role in the election, with Trump winning a significant number of votes in those counties in 2020.

As the election drew closer, the Harris campaign made strategic decisions in response to the surge of Republican early voters, adjusting ad reservations to focus on key markets. Despite the shifting dynamics, both campaigns remained committed to winning in North Carolina.

In Charlotte on Nov. 2, Harris reached out to conservatives who may be hesitant to support the former president.

“We have the opportunity in this election to move away from a decade of Donald Trump, who has been working to keep us divided and fearful of each other,” Harris stated.

Harris emphasized that she will be a president for all Americans, regardless of their voting choices, and highlighted that the majority of us have more similarities than differences.

She contrasted herself with Trump, noting his focus on personal vendettas and self-interest, while she prioritizes the country over party politics.

“Donald Trump will come in with a list of enemies” if he wins, Harris remarked.

“When I win, I will come in with a list of tasks to accomplish for the American people,” she added.

Voting Patterns

Nathaniel Scripa relocated from Syracuse, New York to North Carolina seeking a more conservative environment, as he shared with The Epoch Times.

“Now, many individuals from blue states like New York are moving here and bringing their voting habits, which is ironic because the liberal policies that failed in their states are what attracted them here,” he noted.

“This underscores the importance of early voting and mobilizing non-traditional voters for this election,” he emphasized.

Harris organized rallies around the theme “When We Vote, We Win.” Trump, on the other hand, believes that a combination of strong Republican early voting turnout in North Carolina and a robust showing on Election Day will secure his victory.

“It’s our election to lose,” Trump declared in Raleigh. “If we mobilize and get out the vote, they won’t stand a chance.”